Death of a Dustbunny

When Elena Ruiz disappears, five-year-old Steven Holman thinks that a vampire has taken his nanny. As a friend of Elena's, astrologist and sleuth Stella the Stargazer knows that the woman wouldn't have walked away from her charge. She doesn't believe that vampires exist, but she comes to believe that a different--and very human--sort of monster could have done away

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Overview

When Elena Ruiz disappears, five-year-old Steven Holman thinks that a vampire has taken his nanny. As a friend of Elena's, astrologist and sleuth Stella the Stargazer knows that the woman wouldn't have walked away from her charge. She doesn't believe that vampires exist, but she comes to believe that a different--and very human--sort of monster could have done away with her.

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Editorial Reviews

VOYA - Rachelle Bilz

Stella the Stargazer writes a combination astrology and advice to the lovelorn column for the Denver Daily Orion, and manages to get herself involved in solving mysteries as well. When Stella's friend Elena Ruiz is reported missing by the Dustbunnies nanny and housekeeping service, Stella steps into Elena's job in an attempt to locate her. Stella's charge, Steven Holman, insists that his nanny Elena was attacked by a vampire and taken away. Steven is a very bright but emotionally disturbed child who seems to have been strongly affected by his mother's death two years ago. Steven's accounts of vampires in the garden shed and telephone conversations with his dead mother add chilling moments to the novel. Death of a Dustbunny is an enjoyable diversion for readers who like "light" mystery. The plot is uncomplicated, there is no obvious gore or violence, and a few red herrings are present to throw readers off the trail of the murderer. Stella and her friends and co-workers are a likeable crew of characters, and Steven is very well presented. Stella has the kind of quick, sarcastic humor that many YAs enjoy as well as two odd pets, chameleons named Fluffy and Lips. Fourth in Jorgensen's Stella the Stargazer series, this novel stands alone. Brief thumbnail re-introductions to characters at the beginning of the book prevent confusion for new readers. Stella is a sleuth who should appeal to those who like their mysteries mixed with humor. VOYA Codes: 4Q 2P M J S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses, For the YA with a special interest in the subject, Middle School-defined as grades 6 to 8, Junior High-defined as grades 7 to 9 and Senior High-defined as grades 10 to 12).

Kirkus Reviews

This time, the lovelorn of greater Denver don't have problems enough for Stella the Stargazer; the advice columnist allows herself to be talked into serving as [X-year-old?] Steven Holman's nanny when her predecessor, Elena Ruiz, goes AWOL. Neither Steven's father, Grant Holman, nor the police are worried; after all, Elena left a note saying when she'd be back. But Stella, Elena's tutor in a literacy program, knows that Elena couldn't have written that note. Did she take off one step ahead of the INS? Was she killed by a vampire, as Steven tells Stella? Or does her disappearance have anything to do with the death of Cathleen Holman, the mother Steven insists he killed himself? Since Grant Holman is something of a magnet for unattached femalesþfrom Elena's boss Louise Braden to Stella's friend Meredith Spenserþthe biggest mystery may be who's telephoning Steven pretending to be his mother. The mystery is anemic, though Jorgensen (Curl Up and Die, 1997, etc.) is unexpectedly touching on sad Steven and his handsome, volcanic dad.